I would think that the Four Arya/Noble Truths are a safe bet, from what I know of the various traditions.

Also, the 4 Dharma Seals- even if the formulation is not expressed in exactly the same way, the Buddhist traditions I am familiar with uphold them in one way or another. Though I agree with what you say above- there are as many limitless loopholes as there are so many varying interpretations according to the different sects.

In order to ensure my mind never comes under the power of the self-cherishing attitude,I must obtain control over my own mind. Therefore, amongst all empowerments, the empowerment that gives me control over my mind is the best,and I have received the most profound empowerment with this teaching.-Atisha Dipamkarabrtsal ba'i bkhra drin

When asked the same questions by different people the Buddha would sometimes give the same answer, sometimes a different answer and sometimes no answer. The Buddha knew that everyone is different and the same answer is not always the best way to rid people of their suffering. Looking for commonality between schools would be difficult as there are different interpretations because we all understand things differently. But that doesn't necessarily mean that the differences are wrong. This is how I've been taught and how I understand it.

Sakayamuni Buddha is the original and historical founder of Buddhism. The Three Universal Seals, Four Noble Truths, Eight Fold Paths and Twelve Links of Dependent Origination are the basic foundation to all schools of Buddhism including the Tibetan schools of Vajrayana. Threefold training of Precepts, Meditation and Wisdom is universal to all schools. Organisation of the Buddhist teachings / Dharma into three classifications (Sutra, Vinaya and Sastra) is practised among the Buddhist Canons of various countries. Mind over matter concept. Mind as the principal area of taming and control is fundamental to all schools.

In order to ensure my mind never comes under the power of the self-cherishing attitude,I must obtain control over my own mind. Therefore, amongst all empowerments, the empowerment that gives me control over my mind is the best,and I have received the most profound empowerment with this teaching.-Atisha Dipamkarabrtsal ba'i bkhra drin

I am not sure that the three jewels are universal?Enlightenment or some form of improvement seems universal? Again not sure, do we include the extinct schools?Maybe the story of the Buddhas life is universal?

Here's the compiled list so far. The goal is to find commonalities among all Buddhist traditions; I'm taking that "all" to mean early Buddhist schools, Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Please feel free to add anything that's missing, argue for the removal of anything that you think doesn't belong, etc.

Dependent OriginationEightfold PathFive PreceptsFive SkandhasFour Dharma SealsFour Noble TruthsKarmaEnlightenment, liberation from samsara/dukkha/sufferingMeditation / mindfulness / practiceMind as the principal area of taming and control is fundamental to all schools.Shakyamuni Buddha is the founderThe Three Universal SealsThree JewelsThreefold training of Precepts, Meditation and WisdomTwelve Links of Dependent Origination

Thanks, everyone, for your help with this. Keep those cards 'n letters coming!

Last edited by rachmiel on Wed Jul 31, 2013 2:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.

When there is this, there is that. When there is not this, there is not that. From the arising of this, that arises. From the ceasing of this, that ceases.

Without the Four Noble Truths and Three Jewels, what are you left with as a backbone for the practices? If there is something that does not include those foundations, would it really be "Buddhism", as in the teachings of Lord Buddha?

In order to ensure my mind never comes under the power of the self-cherishing attitude,I must obtain control over my own mind. Therefore, amongst all empowerments, the empowerment that gives me control over my mind is the best,and I have received the most profound empowerment with this teaching.-Atisha Dipamkarabrtsal ba'i bkhra drin